Methods of operating a filtering apparatus

ABSTRACT

Methods for operating a device for filtering a gas stream, having a vessel partitioned into a first stage and a second stage, with an opening between stages. A filter element is positioned in the opening, with ends of the filter element extending into the first and second stages. The first member is removable from the second member while the filter element is positioned in the opening, to allow for replacement with a new clean member.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/403,979, filed Feb. 23, 2012, and issued Feb. 14, 2017 as U.S. Pat.No. 9,566,543, which is a Continuation-In-Part (CIP) of and claimspriority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/396,570, filed Mar. 3,2009, which applications are all incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to methods, apparatus and products forfiltering. In another aspect, the present invention relates to methods,apparatus and products for filtering streams of gas and/or liquids toremove solids and/or entrained liquids. In even another aspect, thepresent invention relates to methods, apparatus and products forfiltering, utilizing a filter system in which that portion of the filtersystem more likely to accumulate filtrate is replaceable apart from thatportion of the filter system which is less likely to accumulatefiltrate. In even another aspect, the present invention relates tomethods, apparatus and products for filtering, utilizing a two stagefilter system in which that portion of the filter system in the firststage is more likely to accumulate filtrate is replaceable apart fromthat portion of the filter system in the second stage which is lesslikely to accumulate filtrate. In still another aspect, the presentinvention relates to a sealing arrangement for sealing the filter systemin the sealing vessel.

2. Brief Description of the Related Art

There are a number of applications in which it is necessary to removesolids or liquids from a gas stream, liquid stream, or multi-phasestream. As a non-limiting example, solid or liquid contaminants may bepresent in various gas or liquid streams of a refrigeration system. Asanother non-limiting example, gas pipelines many times contain solid orliquid contaminants.

Various apparatus and methods for removing solids and/or liquids fromgas streams are well known. Quite commonly, gas filter elements areutilized for filtering dry gas streams as well as for separating solidsand liquids from contaminated gas streams, or for coalescing entrainedliquids from a gas stream. Often these types of gas filter elements areinstalled in multi-stage vessels, which are in turn installed in a gaspipeline, to perform these filtering functions.

There are a number of patents that relate to removing solids and/orliquids from gas streams, the follow of which are merely a smallsampling.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,983, issued May 7, 2002, to Angelo et al., disclosesan improved filter drier for a refrigeration system having a replaceabletubular filter element. A desiccant assembly is removably secured withina housing. The assembly includes a first and second molded desiccant, ahollow tubular perforated core located within said first and secondmolded desiccant, and a tubular filter located over said core.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,639, issued Feb. 17, 2004, to Spearman et al.,discloses a conically shaped filtration and/or separation apparatus thatis constructed from a stack of filters at least some of which aredifferent sizes superposed above each, other, of said plurality of saidfilters in a fluid communicable relationship. A collapsible version ofsuch conically shaped filter and/or separation apparatus is providedwhereby a plurality of such filters are connected together using twopiece interlocking or connecting end caps.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,858,067, issued Feb. 22, 2005, to Burns et al.,discloses a filtration vessel for use with a rotary screw compressorthat receives a compressed liquid/gas mixture from the compressor. Thevessel utilizes a first stage vortex knockout region to remove bulkliquids through a circular motion that imposes centrifugal forces on thegas and liquid mixture. A coalescer region located above the vortexknockout region receives the relatively lighter fluids and separates anyremaining entrained liquids from the fluids. The discharge from thefiltration unit is an essentially liquid free compressed gas. The liquiddischarge, in the case of lube oil can be recirculated to the compressorfor another cycle.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,540, issued May 30, 2006, to TeGrotenhuis et al.,discloses a wick-containing apparatus capable of separating fluids andmethods of separating fluids.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20070095746, published May 3,2007 to Minichello et al., discloses an apparatus for filtering a gas orliquid stream such as a natural gas stream. The apparatus includes aclosed vessel having a longitudinally extending length, an initiallyopen interior, an inlet port at one extent and an outlet port at anopposite extent thereof. A partition located within the vessel interiordivides the vessel interior into a first chamber and a second chamber.At least one opening is provided in the partition. A filter element isdisposed within the vessel to extend from within the first chamber. Aspecial seal structure formed of a resilient material and havingconically shaped sidewalls is used to seal against one end of the filterelement as well as forming a dynamic seal with the vessel riser in use.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,270,690, issued Sep. 18, 2007, to Sindel, discloses aseparator vane assembly made up of a number of corrugated vanes thatprovide serpentine paths for the gas stream therethrough. As the gasstream flows through the serpentine paths, it changes direction andliquid in the gas stream impacts the surfaces of the vanes. The upstreamsection of the vane assembly has roughened surfaces to decrease thesurface tension of the liquid, thereby causing the liquid to coalesce.The downstream section of the vane assembly has smooth surfaces so as toincrease the surface tension of the liquid. The vane assembly isfollowed by filters, which capture the liquid that passes through thevane assembly. The vane assembly coalesces the liquid to enable thefilters to operate more effectively.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20070251876, published Nov. 1,2007 to Krogue et al., discloses an apparatus for filtering a gas orliquid stream of impurities and to filter elements used in such anapparatus. The apparatus includes a closed vessel having alongitudinally extending length, an initially open interior, an inputport at one extent and an output port at an opposite extent thereof. Apartition located within the vessel interior divides the vessel interiorinto a first stage and a second stage. At least one opening is providedin the partition. A filter element is disposed within the vessel toextend from within the first stage. The filter element is made up of acarbon block filter media surrounded by a protective porous depth filtermedia.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,314,508, issued Jan. 1, 2008, to Evans, discloses adesiccant cartridge having a seal therearound for forming a proper sealbetween the cartridge and the canister of a receiver/dryer oraccumulator assembly includes a cup extending along an axis having innerwall portion and outer wall portion connected to a transverse portion todefine a chamber containing desiccant particles. A cap is secured to cupto secure the desiccant particles inside the chamber. The outer wallportion is provided with the seal that is composed of a flexiblethermoplastic elastomer that is resistant to heat during welding shut ofthe canister.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,332,010, issued Feb. 19, 2008, to Steiner, discloses atwo or three phase separator including a centrifugal separator, ademister (if a three phase separator), and a filter contained within ahousing. The filter uses an outside-in flow principle. The filterincludes an inner layer or a center core that defines a hollow interior.An outer layer is positioned adjacent and surrounding the inner layer.The outer layer includes a re-enforcement layer, a first particle filterlayer, a coalescer layer, and a second particle filter layer. An accesscover of the separator includes a cover plug, an actuator cam, aplurality of idler cam plates, and a plurality of mechanisms. The accesscover cooperates with an opening and an annular groove in the housing toclose off and seal the separator.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,344,576, issued Mar. 18, 2008, to TeGrotenhuis et al.,discloses methods of separating fluids using capillary forces and/orimproved conditions. The improved methods may include control of theratio of gas and liquid Reynolds numbers relative to the Suratmannumber. Also disclosed are wick-containing, laminated devices that arecapable of separating fluids.

Quite commonly in pipeline applications, it is not uncommon to seemulti-stage vessels, as well as a multitude of other similar filtrationvessels, that utilize solid or hollow core tubular elements, typicallyformed at least partially a porous filtration media. Non-limitingexamples of such vessels include filtration equipment such as shown inU.S. Pat. No. 5,919,284, issued Jul. 6, 1999 or U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,647,issued Jan. 2, 2001, both to Perry, Jr. et al.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,919,284 discloses a gas filter separator coalescer andmulti-stage vessel for separating liquids and solids from a gas streamand simultaneously coalescing liquids from the gas stream. The apparatusincludes a closed vessel having a longitudinally extending length, aninitially open interior, an input port at an extent and an output portat an opposite extent thereof. There is a partition located within thevessel interior that divides the vessel interior into a first stage anda second stage. There is at least one opening in the partition. Aseparator/coalescer filter element is disposed within the vessel tosealingly extend from within the first stage through the opening intothe second stage. There is a chevron-type seal or an O-ring seal betweenthe filter element and the opening. The input port, vessel interior,separator/coalescer filter element and output port together define aflow passage within the apparatus, whereby the gas stream flows into thefirst stage through the input port and through the filter element hollowcore, thereby filtering solids out of the gas stream, separating liquidsfrom the gas stream, and pre-coalescing liquids in the gas stream. Thegas stream then flows along the hollow core past the partition and backthrough the filter element into the second stage, thereby coalescingliquids out of the gas stream, the gas stream then exiting the secondstage through the outlet port.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,647 discloses an apparatus for separating liquidsand solids from a gas stream and simultaneously coalescing liquids fromthe gas stream. The apparatus includes a closed vessel having alongitudinally extending length, an initially open interior, an inputport at an extent and an output port at an opposite extent thereof.There is a partition located within the vessel interior that divides thevessel interior into a first stage and a second stage. There is at leastone opening in the partition. A separator/coalescer filter element isdisposed within the vessel to sealingly extend from within the firststage through the opening into the second stage. There is a chevron-typeseal or an O-ring seal between the filter element and the opening. Theinput port, vessel interior, separator/coalescer filter element andoutput port together define a flow passage within the apparatus, wherebythe gas stream flows into the first stage through the input port andthrough the filter element hollow core, thereby filtering solids out ofthe gas stream, separating liquids from the gas stream, andpre-coalescing liquids in the gas stream. The gas stream then flowsalong the hollow core past the partition and back through the filterelement into the second stage through a louvered impingement baffle,thereby coalescing liquids out of the gas stream, the gas stream thenexiting the second stage through the outlet port. The louveredimpingement baffle conditions the gas stream to create a scrubbingeffect on any fine mist exiting the separator/coalescer filter element.

With such equipment as disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,919,284 or6,168,647, it is periodically necessary to perform maintenance on thefiltration vessels, including replacement of the porous filter elements.This task is labor intensive and time consuming in situ because of themounting structure used to mount the filter elements within thefiltration vessel interior. Often, it is necessary to unscrew the endcap or nut to free the filter element from its associated structuralmounting within the vessel interior. Not only is this time consuming,but the location of the mounting structure is sometimes inconvenient toaccess, making filter replacement a difficult or inconvenient chore. Thesame type of inconveniences is present in the initial filterinstallation process for new filtration vessels.

Specifically for filter systems of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,168,647, there are at least two reasons for the difficulty in removingthe filter elements. First, the chevron seal is working against theremoval direction when trying to remove the element. Second, since thefilter element extends into the riser assembly, solids collect and packinto the riser assembly. Additionally, it is not uncommon to find damageto the downstream expanded metal support grid generally caused by theelements being shoved in too far.

In an effort to overcome the problems of the prior art, especially thedeficiencies of U.S. Pat. No. 5,919,284 or 6,168,647, furtherdevelopment was advanced in U.S. Pat. No. 7,014,685, issued Mar. 21,2006, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,108,738, issued Sep. 19, 2006, both to Burnset al. These two patents disclose an apparatus for filtering a gas orliquid stream such as a natural gas stream. The apparatus includes aclosed vessel having a longitudinally extending length, an initiallyopen interior, an input port at one extent and an output port at anopposite extent thereof. A partition located within the vessel interiordivides the vessel interior into a first stage and a second stage. Atleast one opening is provided in the partition. A filter element isdisposed within the vessel to extend from within the first stage. Thefilter element is easily mounted or removed from the vessel by rotatinga J-slot engagement surface on the element which mates with a postprovided on a mounting structure provided on the vessel partition.

However, in spite of the above advancements that have been made inoverall filtration vessel design, there still exists a need in art forapparatus and methods for filtration.

There also exists a need in the art for apparatus and methods forimprovements that simplify the process of mounting and replacing filterelements within the filtration vessel, thereby decreasing the cost ofvessel installation and maintenance.

As a non-limiting example of a desired improvement, for filtrationsystems as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,919,284, and 6,187,647, theportion of the filter element positioned in the downstream stage isgenerally a lot cleaner than the portion of the filter elementpositioned in the upstream stage. However, with these filtrationsystems, the entire filter element is removed and replaced, even thoughthe downstream portion of the filter may be readily further used.

These and other needs in the art will become apparent to those of skillin the art upon review of this specification, including its drawings andclaims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide for apparatus andmethods for filtration.

It is another object of the present invention to provide for apparatusand methods for improvements that simplify the process of mounting andreplacing filter elements within the filtration vessel, therebydecreasing the cost of vessel installation and maintenance.

It is even another object of the present invention to allow the use ofdifferent removal efficiencies of filter elements in the first andsecond stages based on the application and/or operator's requirements.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent tothose of skill in the art upon review of this specification, includingits drawings and claims.

According to one embodiment of the present invention there is providedan apparatus for filtering a gas. The apparatus may include a vesselhaving a partition dividing the vessel into a first stage and a secondstage, wherein the partition defines an opening providing liquidcommunication between the stages. The apparatus also may include afilter element positioned in the opening comprising first member havinga first connection end and a second member having a second connectionend. This the first and second members may be connected by a connectionsystem in which the first connection end and the second connection endform a mating pair to provide the connection, wherein at least a portionof the first member extends into the first stage, and at least a portionof the second member extends into the second stage, and wherein thefirst member is removable from the second member while the filterelement is positioned in the opening.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a method of operating a filtering apparatus. The filteringapparatus may comprise a vessel having a partition dividing the vesselinto a first stage and a second stage, wherein the partition defines anopening providing liquid communication between the stages, and furthercomprises a filter element positioned in the opening comprising a firstmember having a first connection end and a second member having a secondconnection end, wherein the first and second members are connected by aconnection system in which the first connection end and the secondconnection end form a mating pair to provide the connection, wherein atleast a portion of the first member extends into the first stage, and atleast a portion of the second member extends into the second stage. Themethod may include separating the first member from the second member,while the filter element is positioned in the opening, thereby leavingat least a portion of the second member extending into the second stage.

According to even another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a method of operating a filtering apparatus. The filteringapparatus may comprise a vessel having a partition dividing the vesselinto a first stage and a second stage, wherein the partition defines anopening providing liquid communication between the stages, and furthercomprises a filter element positioned in the opening comprising a firstmember having a first end and a second member having a second connectionend, wherein the first and second members are connected by a connectionsystem in which the first connection end and the second connection endengage to provide the connection, wherein at least a portion of thefirst member extends into the first stage, and at least a portion of thesecond member extends into the second stage. The method may includereplacing the first member with a replacement member.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided an apparatus for filtering a gas. The apparatus may include avessel having a partition dividing the vessel into a first stage and asecond stage, wherein the partition defines an opening providing liquidcommunication between the stages. The apparatus may also include a riserextending from the opening, said riser having a first end with astraight portion and a second end with a flared portion, with thestraight portion positioned nearer the opening than the flared portion.The apparatus may also include a filter element having at least aportion positioned in the riser the filter element comprising a firstmember having a first connection end and a first filteringcharacteristic, and a second member having a second connection end and asecond filtering characteristic, wherein the first and second membersare connected by a connection system in which the first connection endand the second connection end form a mating pair to provide theconnection, with the second connection end defining a first grooveextending circumferentially around the second connection end with afirst seal member residing in the first groove, wherein at least aportion of the second connection end is positioned in the riser with thefirst seal member engaging the straight portion of the riser, wherein atleast a portion of the first member extends toward the first stage, andat least a portion of the second member extends toward the second stage,wherein the first member is removable from the second member while thefilter element is positioned in the opening, and wherein the firstfiltering characteristic and the second filtering characteristic are thesame or different.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a method of operating a filtering apparatus, wherein thefiltering apparatus comprises a vessel having a partition dividing thevessel into a first stage and a second stage, wherein the partitiondefines an opening providing liquid communication between the stages, ariser extending from the opening, said riser having a first end with astraight portion and a second end with a flared portion, with thestraight portion positioned nearer the opening than the flared portion,and further comprises a filter element positioned in the risercomprising a first member having a first connection end and a firstfiltering characteristic and a second member having a second connectionend and a second filtering characteristic, wherein the first and secondmembers are connected by a connection system in which the firstconnection end and the second connection end form a mating pair toprovide the connection, with the second connection end defining a firstgroove extending circumferentially around the second connection end witha first seal member residing in the first groove, wherein at least aportion of the second connection end is positioned in the riser with thefirst seal member engaging the straight portion of the riser, wherein atleast a portion of the first member extends toward the first stage,wherein at least a portion of the second member extends toward thesecond stage, and wherein the first filtering characteristic and thesecond filtering characteristic are the same or different, the methodmay include separating the first member from the second member, whilethe filter element is positioned in the riser, thereby leaving at leasta portion of the second member extending into the second stage.

According to even still another embodiment of the present invention,there is provided a method of operating a filtering apparatus, whereinthe filtering apparatus comprises a vessel having a partition dividingthe vessel into a first stage and a second stage, wherein the partitiondefines an opening providing liquid communication between the stages, ariser extending from the opening, said riser having a first end with astraight portion and a second end with a flared portion, with thestraight portion positioned nearer the opening than the flared portion,and further comprises a filter element positioned in the risercomprising a first member having a first end and a first filteringcharacteristic and a second member having a second connection end and asecond filtering characteristic, wherein the first and second membersare connected by a connection system in which the first connection endand the second connection end engage to provide the connection, with thesecond connection end defining a first groove extendingcircumferentially around the second connection end with a first sealmember residing in the first groove, wherein at least a portion of thesecond connection end is positioned in the riser with the first sealmember engaging the straight portion of the riser, wherein at least aportion of the first member extends toward the first stage, wherein atleast a portion of the second member extends toward the second stage,and wherein the first filtering characteristic and the second filteringcharacteristic are the same or different, the method may includereplacing the first member with a replacement member.

According to even yet another embodiment of the present invention, thereis provided an apparatus for filtering a gas. The apparatus may includea vessel having a partition dividing the vessel into a first stage and asecond stage, wherein the partition defines an opening providing liquidcommunication between the stages. The apparatus may also include a riserextending from the opening, said riser having a first end with astraight portion and a second end with a flared portion, with thestraight portion positioned nearer the opening than the flared portion.The apparatus may include a filter element having at least a portionpositioned in the riser, the filter element comprising a first memberhaving a first connection end and a first filtering characteristic, anda second member having a second connection end and a second filteringcharacteristic, wherein the first and second members are connected by aconnection system in which the first connection end and the secondconnection end form a mating pair to provide the connection, with thesecond connection end defining first and second grooves extendingcircumferentially around the second connection end with a first sealmember residing in the first groove and a second seal member residing inthe second groove, wherein at least a portion of the second connectionend is positioned in the riser with both the first and second sealmembers engaging the straight portion of the riser, wherein at least aportion of the first member extends toward the first stage, and at leasta portion of the second member extends toward the second stage, whereinthe first member is removable from the second member while the filterelement is positioned in the opening, and wherein the first filteringcharacteristic and the second filtering characteristic are the same ordifferent.

According to still even another embodiment of the present invention,there is provided a filter system that may include a riser having afirst end with a straight portion and a second end with a flaredportion. The system may include a filter element having at least aportion positioned in the riser the filter element comprising a firstmember having a first connection end and a first filteringcharacteristic, and a second member having a second connection end and asecond filtering characteristic, wherein the first and second membersare connected by a connection system in which the first connection endand the second connection end form a mating pair to provide theconnection, with the second connection end defining a first grooveextending circumferentially around the second connection end with afirst seal member residing in the first groove, wherein at least aportion of the second connection end is positioned in the riser with thefirst seal member engaging the straight portion of the riser, whereinthe first member is removable from the second member while the filterelement is positioned in and remains in the riser, and wherein the firstfiltering characteristic and the second filtering characteristic are thesame or different.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate some of the many possible embodimentsof this disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of thisdisclosure. These drawings do not provide an extensive overview of allembodiments of this disclosure. These drawings are not intended toidentify key or critical elements of the disclosure or to delineate orotherwise limit the scope of the claims. The following drawings merelypresent some concepts of the disclosure in a general form. Thus, for adetailed understanding of this disclosure, reference should be made tothe following detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like elements have been given likenumerals.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of one non-limiting embodiment of afiltration system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a filter element of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 shows engaging member 139 of first filter member 124 resides inslot 136 of second filter member 125.

FIG. 4 shows first filter member 124 and second member 125 have beentwisted relative to each other to allow engaging member 139 to move inslot 136 toward slot opening 137 to allow for disengagement.

FIG. 5 shows first filter member 124 and second member 125 have beenfurther twisted relative to each other, such that engaging member 139 isshown aligned in slot opening 137 to allow for disengagement.

FIG. 6 shows first filter member 124 and second member 125 have beenmoved away from each other, such that engaging member 139 is shownmoving though slot opening 137 to allow for disengagement.

FIG. 7 shows first filter member 124 and second member 125 have beenmoved away from each other, such that engaging member 139 is shown movedcompletely through slot opening 137 and filter members 124 and 125 aredisengaged.

FIGS. 8-10 show slightly different views of filter 120, showing filtermembers 124 and 125 disengaged.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a non-limiting embodiment of the presentinvention, showing first filtration element 124, second filtrationelement 125, vessel partition 108 defining passage 111, and filtrationreceiving tube 300 having a flared portion 301 and a straight portion302.

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of receiving tube 300 and secondpair member 135 having a sealing member 307 engaging the flared portion301 of tube 300.

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of receiving tube 300 and secondpair member 135 having two sealing members 307 engaging the flaredportion 301 of tube 300.

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of receiving tube 300 and secondpair member 135 having a sealing member 308 engaging the straightportion 302 of tube 300.

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of receiving tube 300 and secondpair member 135 having a sealing member 307 engaging the flared portion301 of tube 300, and sealing member 308 engaging the straight portion302 of tube 300.

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of receiving tube 300 and secondpair member 135 having two sealing members 308 engaging the straightportion 302 of tube 300.

FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of receiving tube 300 and secondpair member 135 having sealing member 309 engaging the outer lip portion310 of tube 300 and bottom edge portion of member 135A.

FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of receiving tube 300 and secondpair member 135 (shown on end of filter member 125) not quite engagedwith tube 300. This non-limiting embodiment shows sealing members 307,308 and 309, although other embodiments may have anycombinations/numbers of these sealing members.

FIG. 19 shows receiving tube 300 engaged with second pair member 135 ofFIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a schematic representation of receiving tube 300 and secondpair member 135 having sealing member 309 engaging the outer lip portion310 of tube 300 and bottom edge portion of member 135A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a filtration filter. Inanother aspect, the present invention provides a filtration system thatincludes the filtration filter positioned within a filtration vessel.Any suitable type of filtration vessel may be utilized in the practiceof the present invention, including certain filtration vessels asdisclosed in any of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,919,284, 6,187,647, 7,014,685, and7,108,738. Depending upon the situation and operating conditions,suitable filtration vessels may include multi-stage vessel 11 as shownin FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,187,647, and filter vessel 13 as shown inFIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,014,685, with the understanding that vessels11 and 13 will include the filtration filter as disclosed herein, and beadapted to receive such filter.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic representation ofone non-limiting embodiment 100 of the filtration system of the presentinvention. In very simple terms, the filtration system of the presentinvention may include a filtration vessel 102 having a first stage 104and a second stage 105. A partition 108 positioned within filtrationvessel 102 divides the volume of filtration vessel 102 into first stage104 and second stage 105. The present invention anticipates that in somenon-limiting embodiments, filtration vessel may comprise two vesselsthat are joined together, one vessel forming the first stage, and onevessel forming the second stage, with the abutted walls of each vesselserving as the partition, or perhaps the two vessels will share a commonwall serving as the partition.

Partition 108 defines at least one passage 111 allowing for liquidcommunication between first stage 104 and second stage 105. Within eachof passages 111 will reside a filtration filter 120. This filter 120includes at least two distinct parts, first filtration member 124 andsecond filtration member 125. Filter member 120 may in some embodimentsbe a hollow core filtration filter. In some non-limiting embodiments, atleast a portion of first filtration member 124 will extend into vesselfirst stage 104, and at least a portion of first member 124 will extendinto vessel second stage 105. In some non-limiting embodiments, none offirst filtration member 124 will extend into vessel second stage 105. Ineven other embodiments, none of the second filtration member 125 willextend into vessel second stage 105. In even further non-limitingembodiments, an additional filter element, such as a liquid impingementbaffle, will be placed over the second filtration member 125.

It should be understood that first filtration member 124 and secondfiltration member 125 may provide the same or different filtering, thatis, the filtering characteristic of the first and second filtrationmembers 124 and 125 may be the same or different. As a non-limitingexample, first filtration member 124 may have a first filteringcharacteristic wherein it removes larger particles and allows smallerparticles to be removed by filtration member 125 having a secondfiltering characteristic wherein it removed smaller particles. It shouldalso be understood that when multiple filter members 120 are utilized,each of the multiple filter members 124 and 125 may be the same ordifferent. As a non-limiting example, various same and/or differentfilter members 120 may be utilized based on the geometry of thearrangement of the filter members 120, based on the geometry of thevessel 102, and/or based on any other operating parameter or physicalproperty of the material being filtered. It should also be understoodthat filter member 120 may also include multiple stages that align withmultiple stages in a vessel 102. The filter member 120 may includemating pairs 130 at the interface of one or more or all of theinterfaces between stages, which mating pairs 130 may be the same ordifferent, and this filter member 120 may be disconnectable at one ormore the mating pairs 130.

Filtration vessel 102 further includes an inlet port 184 in fluidcommunication with vessel first stage 104. Filtration vessel 102 evenfurther includes an outlet port 185 in fluid communication with vesselsecond stage 105.

Gas flow, indicated by the “G” labeled arrows, is through inlet port 184and into vessel first stage 104, through the filter wall of filtermember 124, through the hollow core of filter member 124, into thehollow core of filter member 125, out through the wall of filter member125, through the second stage 105, and finally exiting through outlet185.

Referring additionally to FIG. 2, there is shown a schematicrepresentation of filter element 120 of the present invention. Referringeven additionally to FIGS. 3-10, there is illustrated various views offilter element 120 showing first member 124 and second member 125 invarious states of connection. Filter member 124 and filter member 125are joined by a mating pair 130 having a first pair member 134 at end124A of filter member 124, and a second pair member 135 at end 125A offilter member 125. In some embodiments, the mating pair 130 willcomprise male and female connector members. It should be understood thatfirst pair member 134 may comprise either a male or female connectormember, with second pair member 135 comprising the complimentary matingfemale or male connector member. In most embodiments, a female-malearrangement for the first and second pair members 134 and 135 will beconsidered equivalent to a male-female arrangement. This mating pair 130must sufficiently join filter member 124 and 125 together so as toendure the hardships of the filtration operation, but must allowdisconnecting of filter member 124 to allow for removal of such filtermember 124. As non-limiting examples, mating pair 130 may connect bysnapping, bolting, friction fitting, interlocking, engaging, coupling,hook/looping, adhering, adhesion with a time released adhesive, adhesionwith a solvent releasing adhesive, magnetic coupling, locking,threadably engaging, and the like.

In FIG. 3, engaging member 139 of first filter member 124 resides inslot 136 of second filter member 125. As shown, engaging member 139resides in end 138 of slot 136. Generally, twisting/untwisting ofmembers 124 and 125 relative to each other would lock engaging member139 in place at end 138 or could move it toward slot opening 137 fordisengagement. As a non-limiting embodiment, end 138 of slot 136 may beshaped (for example tapered) to provide a friction fit of engagingmember 139, or the surfaces of slot 136 at end 138 may betextured/roughened to engage textured/roughened surfaces of engagingmember 139. Untwisting them will reverse the process and allow for themembers to be separated.

Referring now to FIG. 4, first filter member 124 and second member 125have been twisted relative to each other to allow engaging member 139 tomove in slot 136 toward slot opening 137 to allow for disengagement.

Referring now to FIG. 5, first filter member 124 and second member 125have been further twisted relative to each other, such that engagingmember 139 is shown aligned in slot opening 137 to allow fordisengagement.

Referring now to FIG. 6, first filter member 124 and second member 125have been moved away from each other, such that engaging member 139 isshown moving though slot opening 137 to allow for disengagement.

Referring now to FIG. 7, first filter member 124 and second member 125have been moved away from each other, such that engaging member 139 isshown moved completely through slot opening 137 and filter members 124and 125 are disengaged.

FIGS. 8-10 show slightly different views of filter 120, showing filtermembers 124 and 125 disengaged.

In methods of the present invention, with filter element positionedwithin a filter vessel 102, filter member 124 may be separated fromfilter member 125, removed from vessel 102, and then replaced with a newfilter member.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated a non-limiting embodimentof the present invention, showing first filtration element 124, secondfiltration element 125, vessel partition 108 defining passage 111connecting first stage 104 and second stage 105, and filtrationreceiving tube 300 having a flared portion 301 and a straight portion302. End 125A of second filtration element 125 is inserted intofiltration receiving tube 300 with mating pair member 135 on the otherend of element 125 engaging flared portion 301, with sealing members 307and 308 providing sealing against tube 300. In some embodiments, all ofmating pair member 135 may be inserted into tube 300. In otherembodiments, a first portion of mating pair member 135 is inserted intotube 300, with a second portion of mating pair member 135 not insertedinto tube 300. This second portion of mating pair member 135 isgenerally larger than tube 300 cross-sectional area and actually wedgesagainst end of tube 300 and is unable to be inserted into tube 300.First filtration element 124 engages second filtration element 125 asdescribed above, with mating pair members 134 and 135 engaging. Matingpair member 135 may have groove(s) 307A for receiving sealing member(s)307 and groove(s) 308A for receiving sealing member(s) 308. In someembodiments, it is possible or second filtration element 125 to residein tube 300 and not extend past partition 108, although for manyembodiments, filtration element 125 will extend past partition 108 andinto second stage 105. Regarding passage 111, in various non-limitingembodiments, it may be regarded as being defined by vessel partition 108with filtration receiving tube 300 positioned therein, or passage 111may be regarded as defined by receiving tube 300 which passes throughvessel partition 108, or passage 111 may be in communication with theend of receiving tube 300 with tube 300 abutted against partition 108,or an integral unit may define partition 108, filtration receiving tube300 and passage 111, or any combination thereof.

The filtration receiving tube 300 is generally a riser member that isaffixed to vessel partition 108 positioned generally over passage 111.In many embodiments, vessel partition 108 will define numerous passages111, and risers will generally be positioned over each of the numerouspassages 111. Certainly, it is possible to construct a filtration vessel102 with a vessel partition 108 having integral risers, rather thanhaving risers that are subsequently affixed. However, very commonlycommercial filtration vessels generally includes riser members as thefiltration receiving tube 300 that have been affixed, usually by weldingtechniques, over each of the passages 111 on vessel partition 108.

These risers 300 will generally have a slightly flared end 301. Whilenot being limited by theory, applicants believe that in some (but notall) instances, the flared portion 301 may provide a less consistent,less reliable sealing surface than the straight portion 302.

While not wishing to be limited by theory, applicants believe thatproblems in sealing may be caused by at least two mechanisms. In someinstances this flared portion 301 is not quite as round as the straightportion 302, and when engaged with round member 135 some portions of theseal around member 135 will engage more or less depending upon thelarger or smaller gap between the less than round flared portion 301 andthe more round member 135. Thus, various non-limiting embodiments of thepresent invention provide for 2 or more sealing elements in the flaredportion, or at least one sealing element in the straight portion, or atleast one sealing element in each of the flared and straight portions.In other instances, a local surface inconsistency may cause sealingissue. These problems with less than round flared portions 301 andsurface inconsistencies may be addressed by positioning the seal memberin the straight portion 302 as it is likely to be more round and/or byusing redundant sealing members positioned either in the flared orstraight portions.

Sealing member 307 is understood to be a sealing element that engagesthe flared portion 301 of filtration receiving tube 300, and sealingmember 308 is understood to be a sealing element that engages thestraight portion 302 of filtration receiving tuber 300. While bothsealing members 307 and 308 are shown, it is understood that secondfiltration element 125 may have only sealing member(s) 307, or onlysealing member(s) 308, or any numbers of both sealing members 307 and308.

Sealing members 307 and 308 may be any suitable sealing member/materialthat will provide suitable sealing between member 125 and riser 300. Anon-limiting examples of a suitable sealing member includes a packingjoint, which is a mechanical gasket with a suitable cross-section,designed to be seated in grooves 307/308 and compressed between riser300 and mating pair member 135 upon insertion and seating of member 125into riser 300.

Non-limiting examples packing joints suitable for use as the sealingmeans include those having any suitable cross-sectional shapes, includeround, oval, X, square, triangular, U, or any other regular or irregulargeometric shape as the cross-section. Non-limiting embodiments of thepresent invention may utilize U seals.

Referring additionally to FIG. 12, there is shown a schematicrepresentation of receiving tube 300 and second pair member 135 having asealing member 307 engaging the flared portion 301 of tube 300.

Referring additionally to FIG. 13, there is shown a schematicrepresentation of receiving tube 300 and second pair member 135 havingtwo sealing members 307 engaging the flared portion 301 of tube 300.

Referring additionally to FIG. 14, there is shown a schematicrepresentation of receiving tube 300 and second pair member 135 having asealing member 308 engaging the straight portion 302 of tube 300.

Referring additionally to FIG. 15, there is shown a schematicrepresentation of receiving tube 300 and second pair member 135 having asealing member 307 engaging the flared portion 301 of tube 300, andsealing member 308 engaging the straight portion 302 of tube 300.

Referring additionally to FIG. 16, there is shown a schematicrepresentation of receiving tube 300 and second pair member 135 havingtwo sealing members 308 engaging the straight portion 302 of tube 300.

Referring additionally to FIG. 17 there is shown is a schematicrepresentation of receiving tube 300 and second pair member 135 havingsealing member 309 engaging the outer lip portion 310 of tube 300 andbottom edge portion of member 135A.

Referring additionally to FIG. 18 there is shown a schematicrepresentation of receiving tube 300 and second pair member 135 (shownon end of filter member 125) not quite engaged with tube 300. Thisnon-limiting embodiment shows sealing members 307, 308 and 309, althoughother embodiments may have any combinations/numbers of these sealingmembers. Moving forward, FIG. 19 shows receiving tube 300 engaged withsecond pair member 135 of FIG. 18.

Referring additionally to FIG. 20 there is shown is a schematicrepresentation of receiving tube 300 and second pair member 135 havingsealing member 309 engaging the outer lip portion 310 of tube 300 andbottom edge portion of member 135A. While similar to FIG. 17, thissealing member 309 is shaped to drape over outer lip portion 310 anddrape down onto the tapered and even possibly the straight portion oftube 300.

All of the patents and applications cited in this specification, areherein incorporated by reference.

It should be understood that while the present invention has beenillustrated mainly by reference to filtration of a gas stream, it findsutility in the filtration of gas streams, liquid streams, and gas/liquidstreams.

The present disclosure is to be taken as illustrative rather than aslimiting the scope or nature of the claims below. Numerous modificationsand variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art afterstudying the disclosure, including use of equivalent functional and/orstructural substitutes for elements described herein, use of equivalentfunctional couplings for couplings described herein, and/or use ofequivalent functional actions for actions described herein. Anyinsubstantial variations are to be considered within the scope of theclaims below.

1. A method of operating a filtering apparatus, wherein the filteringapparatus comprises a vessel having a partition dividing the vessel intoa first stage and a second stage, wherein the partition defines anopening providing liquid communication between the stages, a riserextending from the opening, said riser having a first end with astraight portion and a second end with a flared portion, with thestraight portion positioned nearer the opening than the flared portion,and further comprises a filter element positioned in the risercomprising a first member having a first connection end and a firstfiltering characteristic and a second member having a second connectionend and a second filtering characteristic, wherein the first and secondmembers are connected by a connection system in which the firstconnection end and the second connection end form a mating pair toprovide the connection, with the second connection end defining a firstgroove extending circumferentially around the second connection end witha first seal member residing in the first groove, wherein at least aportion of the second connection end is positioned in the riser with thefirst seal member engaging the straight portion of the riser, wherein atleast a portion of the first member extends toward the first stage,wherein at least a portion of the second member extends toward thesecond stage, and wherein the first filtering characteristic and thesecond filtering characteristic are the same or different, the methodcomprising: Separating the first member from the second member, whilethe filter element is positioned in the riser, thereby leaving at leasta portion of the second member extending into the second stage.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising, connecting a replacement memberto the second member, while at least a portion of the second memberextends into the second stage.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second connection ends form a mating pair by at least one ofsnapping, bolting, friction fitting, interlocking, engaging, coupling,hook/looping, adhering, adhesion with a time released adhesive, adhesionwith a solvent releasing adhesive, magnetic coupling, locking, andthreadably engaging.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the secondconnection end defines a second groove extending circumferentiallyaround the second connection end with a second seal member residing inthe first groove, wherein at least a portion of the second connectionend is positioned in the riser with the second seal member engaging thestraight portion of the riser or the flared portion of the riser.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the second seal member engages the flaredportion of the riser.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the second sealmember engages the straight portion of the riser.
 7. A method ofoperating a filtering apparatus, wherein the filtering apparatuscomprises a vessel having a partition dividing the vessel into a firststage and a second stage, wherein the partition defines an openingproviding liquid communication between the stages, a riser extendingfrom the opening, said riser having a first end with a straight portionand a second end with a flared portion, with the straight portionpositioned nearer the opening than the flared portion, and furthercomprises a filter element positioned in the riser comprising a firstmember having a first end and a first filtering characteristic and asecond member having a second connection end and a second filteringcharacteristic, wherein the first and second members are connected by aconnection system in which the first connection end and the secondconnection end engage to provide the connection, with the secondconnection end defining a first groove extending circumferentiallyaround the second connection end with a first seal member residing inthe first groove, wherein at least a portion of the second connectionend is positioned in the riser with the first seal member engaging thestraight portion of the riser, wherein at least a portion of the firstmember extends toward the first stage, wherein at least a portion of thesecond member extends toward the second stage, and wherein the firstfiltering characteristic and the second filtering characteristic are thesame or different, the method comprising: Replacing the first memberwith a replacement member.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the firstand second connection ends form a mating pair by at least one ofsnapping, bolting, friction fitting, interlocking, engaging, coupling,hook/looping, adhering, adhesion with a time released adhesive, adhesionwith a solvent releasing adhesive, magnetic coupling, locking, andthreadably engaging.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the secondconnection end defines a second groove extending circumferentiallyaround the second connection end with a second seal member residing inthe second groove, wherein at least a portion of the second connectionend is positioned in the riser with the second seal member engaging thestraight portion of the riser or the flared portion of the riser. 10.The method of claim 6, wherein the second seal member engages the flaredportion of the riser.
 11. The method of claim 4, wherein the second sealmember engages the straight portion of the riser.